The National Basket Ball team of Nigeria last night in Lome, Togo emerged the inaugural champions in the men’s category of the 2017 FIBA 3X3 Africa Cup beating Cote d’ Ivoire in the final game 21-9 points.
The Nigerian team led by Azuoma Dike left no one in doubt in the encounter after dispatching Egypt 21-14 points in the semi-finals and were unstoppable, as Abdul Yahaya who scored 39 points in five games left the Ivoriens confused. Godwin David and Lucky Subel gave a good accounts of themselves to ensure victory for Nigeria.
Dike was also named the Most Valuable Player and led the list of the top three players that included Tisiane Traore of Cote d’ Ivoire and Elly Randriamampionona of Madagascar.
However, Mali women were a stumbling block for Nigerian girls in the final, winning 12-11 in a keenly contested game that left Nigeria Silver medal winners.
Mali’s Nassira Traore was at her best for her country in the final game and was named the championships Most Valuable Player that also paraded Jamla Nasikombi of Uganda and Nigeria’s Nkechi Akashili making up the list of top three women players in the first FIBA 3X3 Africa Cup.
(DAILY SUN)
